Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been named Footballer of the Year by the Football Writers’ Association.
The Norwegian has had a stellar first season with Manchester City after joining from Borussia Dortmund, scoring a record 35 Premier League goals out of a total of 51 in all competitions from just 47 appearances for City this season.
Records have fallen for Haaland, son of former City midfielder Alfie Haaland, just as his goals have led the Blues to the brink of a possible Treble that could match the achievements of rivals Manchester United.
With over 80 percent of the vote from the 400-strong FWA membership, Haaland overwhelmingly won the award with the highest proportion of the vote in the history of the award.
He’s only the fourth player ever to win the award in his first season in the Premier League after team mate Ruben Dias, Jurgen Klinsmann, and Gianfranco Zola.
Previous City winners of the accolade include Dias, former City star Raheem Sterling, and Tony Book.
Haaland said: “To win the Football Writers’ Award in my first season in English football is an honour.
“I try every single day to be the best I can be, and to be recognised like this means a lot to me.
“I have loved my time at City so far – my teammates are incredible, and they provide me with the chances to score goals.
“I want to thank all of them, because I could not have won this award without them.
“I also owe so much to Pep and the team behind the team here at City.
“Everybody has been so good to me since I joined and I have never worked with such top professionals.
“Thank you to everyone who voted for me.
“It’s a real honour to have won this award. I am now focused on ensuring I finish the season as strongly as possible and helping City win trophies.”